A Haven for Vee

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Carrot Fudge

Oh my. Another load arrived from the homestead just last evening when I thought that all I had to do was finish up the dishes. So I have been knee deep in photos, pictures, newspaper clippings, old letters, Shirley Temple dolls (two of them), and receipts all over again. 

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I now know that my father was the last of the big time spenders paying $150 for my mother's engagement ring and nearly three thousand dollars for the only new car he ever owned. Both purchases were made way back in 1953. They have now been filed in a folder labeled: Reviewed November 10, 2015 "Save for Fun." Yup, hope that somebody has a blast with it. Ha!

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Every now and then one finds a little treasure as  with this newspaper clipping from The Boston Sunday Post on March 23, 1919. At first, I thought I was visiting a Downton Abbey moment.
I love that blue outfit!

On the flip side, I found this...the real reason for the clipping.


Aha! The Candy Kitchen! I come from a long line of candy lovers now let me tell you. I am supposing that my great-grandmother or even her mother cut this out. Most likely, her mother (Alice) did as she lived in Gloucester, Massachusetts and would have access to the Boston paper. Perhaps Alice tucked it in one of her letters to her daughter who had married a Canadian and was living in Moncton, New Brunswick. I'm just making it up, but it could be! There certainly are enough letters between the households.

If you look closely, you can find the recipe for Carrot Fudge. Since this must surely be in the public domain by now, I'll just type the recipe for your gastronomic pleasure.

Put one cup each of corn syrup, grated carrots, milk, and lightest brown sugar into a deep saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and the flavoring you like best. Cook carefully with an asbestos mat next to the flame until a little of the candy hardens in cold water. Pour into buttered plates and cut into squares. This fudge may have cocoa or chocolate added 
and may be beaten until cold with an 
egg beater, when it cannot be told from 
ordinary fudge. < insert big grin > 

recipe submitted by Mrs. Margaret Mathewson, Handy Street, Providence, R.I.

Yes, well, thank you, Margaret!

And I already have the asbestos mat. Should I get rid of it? 


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Spoiler Alert... just wanted to post this happy photo. Can't wait for Downton Abbey to arrive in the U.S.

Goodness, posting back to back has worn me out. See you Friday, Lord willing. Have a great week and God bless Veterans!

41 comments:

  1. So neat to see the old newspaper clipping! The recipe is fun; I think it's neat how old recipes talk about cooking with a "flame." And the prices your grandfather bought the ring and car at....amazing!

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  2. Somehow carrots and fudge just should not be used in the same sentence!

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  3. You've hit the jackpot on historical value. How nice to have your families records. Not to sure about the asbestos thing. We found that we had asbestos in the basement of our 130 year old home and it wasn't good news. I'm not at all attracted to the carrot fudge, but the styles back then were so much more interesting that what we wear now. Could you imagine hats coming back in? Thanks for sharing that.

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  4. I love the fashions in that advertisement! How cute! I am stumped though, about that asbestos mat. What is it supposed to do? The carrot fudge? Um, no.

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  5. Oh my. I love the dress styles in the old newspaper clipping. And the recipe for carrot fudge? Who knew? Are you going to try it? You'll have to let us know how it turns out if you do. I've never heard of the asbestos mat before. Interesting indeed and yes, you should keep it. Use it for a hot mat. next to the stove. Gold and diamonds were so much cheaper back in the day. Even back in our day. You are finding some really interesting things Vee. Thanks for sharing them.

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  6. Carrot Fudge. That's a new one. But the flavor of chocolate can overshadow all manner of things.

    Yes, get rid of the asbestos thing. You'll never miss it.

    Your posts have been very interesting, and yes, I like that blue dress, too.

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  7. WOW - wonderful post, VEE! You find the neatest things- lucky for us you and your lineage are pat rats! I never keep anything, seriously - even when we're in the news for weddings and funerals I don't save them. We have enough pat racks in my large family.

    What I pack is china, which I am slowly but surely selling off.

    Funny you mention carrots - hubs went to Cosco alone when hungry and my word he came back with a lot of food, haha- and their bags of carrots? I think - I am being seriously - may have weighed 15 pounds. We divided it and gave some to our daughters and my sister b/c we couldn't eat that much. I was wish hubs liked carrot cake. but he doesn't.....then I read your carrot fudge recipe. THAT would make a fun gift item boxed up nicely, wouldn't it? : - )

    Can't wait for DA - won't be long. Loved the happy picture. Have a great day!

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  8. I can honestly say that is the most interesting candy recipe I've ever seen. I'm so ready for Downton Abbey too!

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  9. Good morning! Well I will admit that when I read your title I HAD to pop over right away to see for myself about this Carrot fudge....I am thinking it may be too weird for me, lol. Never heard of an asbestos mat...interesting, lol. I too LOVE the fashions during that era. And I am with you....sooo looking forward to Dowton Abbey. Have a good rest of your week!

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  10. That blue outfit was the one that caught my eye, too. Not too far from narrow trousers and tunic dresses today. Carrot fudge? What happens to the carrots, I wonder. Do they get cooked down to nothing or does one feel like she's eating a salad along with the fudge?
    Fun sneak peek of DA. Happiness awaits!

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  11. Vee, I love the things you have saved form your parents . I love seeing old time clothes. Carrots fudge...one way to get kids to eat veggies. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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  12. It's fun looking at the newspaper from 1919. The carrot fudge is certainly different. The fashions on the front page are lovely. Everyone used to dress so pretty then...she says as she's wearing sweatpants. Enjoy looking through your treasures! ♥

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  13. Not sure about that carrot fudge!! : )

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  14. A newspaper clipping from 1919. That's absolutely amazing. Wouldn't it be wonderful to know who cut it out? I am thinking that carrot fudge must be healthy. I might just give that a try. I adore the fashion pictures. Actually, I'm floored by them. Thinking of how people dress today (approx 100 years after that paper was printed), don't you wonder what the dress code will be in another 100 years?

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  15. Love all of those great vintage goodies, asbestos and all. I can't wait for Downton either...now even more since you posted this great photo!:)

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  16. I like carrots and I like fudge perhaps they would be good together. You'll have to make it and give us all an update. Love the old clippings. I'm on pins and needles for Downton Abbey to return too. Been following the characters on Twitter. They let it slip that Thomas Barrow tries to commit suicide. Guess we could all see that coming ... ~:)

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  17. You will love the last series of Downton! We just had the last episode of the series on Sunday and just have the Christmas episode to wait for now! There is lots of good stuff to come!! xx

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  18. Oh, and I meant to say, I am sure that you won't, but please don't use that asbestos mat! Very dangerous!!! xx

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  19. Never heard of carrot fudge....interesting! I love the old newspaper clippings and what a treasure to have all those memories. Thanks for sharing.

    Blessings,
    Jill

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  20. So many treasures and it's neat that you are appreciating them. Love the vintage 1919 styles in the newspaper clipping. I better get caught up with the season 5 of Downton - eek!

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  21. Carrot fudge! WHO KNEW! lol I remember having those mats!!!! Everyone had them in their kitchen at one time or another.
    Sorry you are "worn out"...lol See you on Friday! xo Diana

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  22. Hi Vee! Carrot fudge sounds healthier than the kind I make. Thank you for the recipe! I too love Downton Abbey. I'm your newest follower!

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  23. Carrot fudge doesn't sound too appetizing at all but hey, don't knock it until you try it, right?
    I hope there is a lot of happy endings in the last season of Downton, the spoiler is a good start!

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  24. I can't wait for the new Downton Abbey to come out on DVD and I'm with Jill, the carrot fudge sounds very interesting.

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  25. HEY---you need to send me the spoiler alerts...lol----just love your post, Vee...thank you sweet friend for the smiles you bring. Blessings

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  26. This was fun to read--great newspaper clippings, and the one seems well preserved for 1919. It's hard to believe DA will be here soon. This year has flown by.

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    1. Same clipping...front and back. I was a bit annoyed that my favorite outfit was cut. =D

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  27. Wow, I love that you have receipts and a newspaper clipping from 1919!!!! What treasure you have there, Vee. I've never heard of carrot fudge, but I'll bet it would make a pretty color for Fall. Are you going to make it and show us???

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  28. What fun to go back in time through all these keepsakes! Carrot fudge?? Guess what recipe I discovered recently? Jack Daniels Fudge! My sister even gave me a bottle of Gentleman Jack to use!
    I miss Downton Abbey!

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  29. I love carrot cake, but carrot fudge just doesn't sound quite as yummy. About the asbestos mat, I'd pitch it very far away. I was concerned about asbestos possibly being used in some of the building materials in our rental house and did a lot of research. Turns out we are okay, but the stuff scares me to death after reading about it. Most likely one little mat wouldn't have enough asbestos to hurt anyone, but I'd not want it in my house. That's just my 2 cents. :) Have fun looking through the clippings and recipes!

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  30. Meh... I wouldn't pitch it, unless you feel the urge to eat it, because that's the only way it'll harm you ;)

    That fudge recipe... um no thank you LOL Neat clipping though and I love the clothes too.

    xo,
    rue

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  31. We've been watching Downton online. It's done now except for the Christmas special. I hate to see it end.

    Treasure is what you have though I think you can pitch that carrot fudge recipe! What a lot of work! Asbestos mat! Yikes!

    These posts are fun.

    Deanna

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  32. What fun to see all that vintage stuff. That's why we want to keep it all ... because it is fun to look back.
    And thanks for the DA spoiler alert ... not that we didn't think that was in there somewhere.

    Thanks Vee!

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  33. You mean you're not watching Downton Abbey early this year, Vee?
    The blue outfit reminds me of the one Sybil wore...
    I think I would like the carrot fudge, will you try it?

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  34. I still read blogs at times and I love this one of yours. Have a good Thanksgiving.

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  35. I was posting on your school photo's and it went blank???
    I love old magazines and save recipes from them, may never make the thing but I keep it anyway.

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  36. Hi, firstly throw the mat out, do not eat it. Next carrot fudge had me really going I don't think I will be trying that for Thanksgiving this year. Also Downton Abbey is something I am very much looking forward to also, Happy Thanksgiving, get some rest, HUGS...Roxy

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  37. Did you make the carrot fudge, Vee, and was it good? It kind of reminds me of avocado brownies--no thank you--lol!

    I always wanted a Shirley Temple doll when I was a child--my best friend had one and it was so detailed and pretty. I was old enough to know there was no such thing as Santa Claus, however, so I did not dare ask my parents to buy this doll for me as I knew they could not afford it and I did not want them to feel bad about that. The best doll I ever received for Christmas was a Patty Play Pal--she was about 4 feet tall!

    I'm looking forward to the last season of Downton Abby! It is such a good show!

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  38. I could use a box of great stuff to look through right now. Love those outfits. Can't wait till January 3rd but am sad that it's the last seson of Downton...

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  39. Now, I am a fudge lover from waaaaay back...but I don't think I want carrots in mine....:)
    back in the 50's when we made fudge on weekends, we always used the cold water method mentioned here...
    I hate to mention that I've never seen Downton......

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  40. Carrot fudge...hummm. You never know what you're going to find. I am sooo ready for Downton Abby too, but I wish it wasn't the last season. Fun blog post.

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